What Now for Al-Hilal? Neymar’s Injury Means Jorge Jesus Has to Come Up With Solutions in Title Race
A statement from Al-Hilal on X confirmed the worst, “The medical tests “NEYMAR ” underwent confirmed the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus tear injury in his knee, he will be going through surgery and then a treatment program that will be determined later..”
With that, Neymar’s budding stint at Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League was dealt a major blow. The Brazilian will undergo surgery and is likely to be sidelined for prolonged periods as he undergoes rehabilitation.
Back at Al-Hilal’s training ground, and especially for manager Jorge Jesus, work has to continue. Solutions have to be found immediately for the Saudi Pro League leaders and one of the favourites to take the crown this season.
The obvious solution is to move Malcom into the middle and give him the freedom to play as a number 10 behind Mitrovic. Michael and Al-Dawsari will provide the depth of the team in wide areas, with Neves and Milinkovic-Savic playing deep as double-sixes.
Another solution is to push Milinkovic-Savic forward and give him the license to attack and join in with the forward players. However, this will require Neves to play as an out-and-out number six.
The good news for Jorge Jesus and Al-Hilal is that they have several solutions within the team that will allow them to overcome the absence of Neymar and retain their quality and ability to pursue the Saudi Pro League title.
Neymar will be missed, but Al-Hilal and Jorge Jesus have enough to continue their title charge without the Brazilian all-time top scorer.
